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A Holiday Lesson
by EMILY DUNN
It’s that time of year when the holiday season comes bustling in.
All of a sudden you’re faced with some terrifying decisions: do I go to dinner with my boyfriend/girlfriend and meet his/her parents, or do I not?
Take a deep breath. Do not panic. This is all routine.
If you are invited
home with your boyfriend or girlfriend for the holidays, do not decline
simply because you are afraid. While “meeting the parents” is one thing
I cannot help you with, I can help mentor you in the ways of the wise
with manners.
There is
no way to guarantee that you will amaze your partner’s parents. The
impression is completely in your hands. I can, however, give you some
tips and tricks to keep up your sleeve so that not only will your
partner’s family impressed, but your partner also.
The
holidays are different for everyone. My husband’s family has a buffet
style dinner for Christmas Eve; everyone brings what they think will
suite the meal best. My family, however, has the traditional wild rice
soup and twice baked potatoes.
Instead of watching Scrooge and snuggling on the couch together after dinner, his family opens presents from the grandparents.
Everyone’s
traditions are different, but that’s not saying you shouldn’t give them
a try. Going to your partner’s home for the holidays may seem like a
strange land, but all holidays have the same meaning at heart.
As you keep all of this in mind, let’s go over what you can do to make a good impression.
• First
of all, bring a gift for the hostess. If there is more than one
hostess- bring more than one gift. Flowers are always the most
convenient and the easiest, but if you want to do more than that ask
your partner for some ideas.
• If
within the family a dish is brought from each guest, then bring a dish.
It doesn’t matter if your partner tells you it’s not necessary; it is.
Bring a side dish or dessert, whichever is easiest for you to prepare
(or buy).
• Be on
your best behavior. Keep in mind all the manners that you’ve read up
on, and practice them. Acting poorly around your partner’s family is
not a good idea. Even if they are acting like animals, you should set a
good example.
• Meet
as many people as possible. I know that it’s intimidating when a large
family gets together and you’re the outcast, but don’t shut yourself up
in a room or a corner away from it all. Your partner will be thrilled
if you make it a point to ask questions about each relative. And, by
the way, make sure to introduce yourself! Waiting to be introduced
isn’t always the best plan, because you may never get there. Extend
your hand first and don’t be shy!
• Always
offer a helping hand. Don’t sulk around following your honey thinking
that that’s what you’re there to do. Go in the kitchen, or the living
room, or wherever and offer to help. Whether that help is grabbing a
beer for dad or lifting the turkey out of the oven for grandma, it will
be greatly appreciated.
•
Finally, have a good time. If you are consistently sweating the
situation, then you’re not going to enjoy yourself. Relax and be
yourself; everyone will be impressed and make sure to include you.
The
holidays are a time to be thankful. Whether you’re going home to your
own family or someone else’s, keep in mind just how lucky and blessed
you are to have a home to go to.
Remember, stay on top of your game. You never know, these strangers who are your partner’s family could be your future in-laws.
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